When most people think about their webcams, they think of their use in video calls and the like. What you might not realize is that your webcam can do a lot more, some of which you might not have explored before. Whether your webcam came with your laptop, or you use an external USB webcam, here are some interesting uses that you might not have thought about before.
Create Stop-motion Videos
Stop-motion is a technique that involves real models and items that you move a few millimeters at a time to create the appearance of movement. Once you adjust you take a photo and then repeat the whole process over again.
While it is time-intensive, stop-motion can help you create unique videos as long as you have a cohesive idea and story. For the photos, you will need a good camera to capture them all. Instead of buying a new and expensive camera, you can use the webcam you already have if it can capture high-quality photos.
You will also need software to help you put everything together, and there are options for all three popular operating systems.
Make Animated GIFs
GIFs have been replaced by video in a lot of places, but they are still fine to send to family and friends. While you can find lots of GIFs online, you can also create your own.
You will need a series of photos or a video as well as the right software. You can use software like GifPal that works on your browser. The software does not require a login and you do not have to install anything on your computer.
Unlock Your Laptop
Most people log into their computers using a password. Did you know that you can use your face to unlock your computer? Windows has Windows Hello and there is software for Linux that does the same thing. There are some solutions for macOS, but why work so badly that they would not be worth your time to try out.
Because your webcam news to read your facial features, you will need a high-quality camera for facial recognition. Various brands sell cameras that work very well for facial recognition. For example, Lenovo HD gaming webcams are not only great for calling and gaming; they are also great for facial recognition.
Monitor Your Home
Most people leave their homes in the morning and come back in the evening or at night. Some may choose to leave for a few days for vacation. Someone can come into the home to steal items or vandalize the place while you are away.
You will need to show some evidence to file a report with the police and for an insurance claim. Instead of installing an expensive surveillance system, you can use the webcam you already have. If the camera captures HD video, you can clearly see what is going on in the home.
Your webcam can do a lot more than being a medium for communication. With enough creativity, you can find new and novel uses for your webcam, so it becomes even more useful to you.
